PARIS. – Representatives of the Group of 77 plus China (G77 + China), gathered at the UNESCO headquarters, paid tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and stressed his commitment to the struggles of their nations.

According to diplomatic sources, during its first plenary meeting of the year, the G77 + China UNESCO Chapter held a minute of silence in honor of the Cuban leader, at the request of the outgoing president of the group, Zimbabwean Ambassador Rudo Chitiga.

At the beginning of the session, the diplomat stressed that Fidel is an inspiring figure, and emphasized his deep commitment to the objectives and historical struggles of the member countries of the bloc.

For her part, Cuba’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Dulce Buergo, expressed gratitude for “the demonstrations of solidarity, messages of support and gratitude for the life’s work of Comandante Fidel,” following his death on November 25.

The representative of the Caribbean nation highlighted the legacy of the Cuban leader in defense of humanity, sovereignty and the self-determination of the peoples.

She also emphasized Fidel’s decisive contribution to anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggles, as well as the ongoing battle for a better world, built on principles such as peace, respect among sovereign nations and solidarity.

The session also saw the transfer of the temporary presidency of the G77 + China UNESCO Chapter from Zimbabwe to El Salvador.

This responsibility was assumed by Lorena Sol de Pool, ambassador of the Central American nation to UNESCO, who stressed the importance of unity to strengthen South-South cooperation.

She also noted that she would propose an Action Plan to further the group’s objectives, which would include issues such as gender equality, the challenges of small island developing states, the effects of climate change, among others.

Several diplomats praised the work carried out by the Ambassador of Zimbabwe in her leadership in defense of the interests of the G77 + China.